Genetic counseling has advanced dramatically in recent years, giving patients and families new opportunities to understand their health risks and make more informed decisions.
At the center of this evolving field is genetic counseling, a service that helps people navigate complex genetic information and assess its potential impact on treatment, prevention and even family planning.
Harleigh Quick, MMSc, Oncology Genetic Counselor at the FirstHealth Cancer Center, joined the FirstHealth and Wellness Podcast to shine light on what genetic counseling is, how it’s used in treatment plans and what the future holds.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic conditions. A genetic counselor’s role includes reviewing personal and family medical history, educating patients about genetics and testing options, guiding patients through decision-making and providing emotional support.
Quick said people may seek genetic counseling if they:
- Have a personal or family history of a genetic condition
- Have a cancer diagnosis or family history of cancer
- Have health issues that suggest a possible genetic condition
- Are pregnant and want information about their baby’s health
Genetic Counseling in Cancer Care
At FirstHealth, genetic counseling can play a critical role in developing personalized care plans. At the Cancer Center, Quick works with patients who have cancer or those with a significant family history of the disease.
Quick reviews both personal and family history, assesses whether hereditary cancer syndromes may exist and orders genetic testing in collaboration with oncologists and surgeons. Quick also uses results to work with providers to create better, more personal treatment and surgical plans. Importantly, test results don’t just impact the patient—they can provide vital health insights for family members, sometimes even preventing cancer altogether.
The Future of Genetic Counseling
Though the field is relatively young, dating back only to the 1940s, genetic counseling has expanded rapidly beyond general genetics and prenatal care.
Today, counselors work in oncology, cardiology, neurology, pharmacogenetics, research, and even primary care.
In the next 5-10 years, expect:
- Wider access to genetic counseling in everyday healthcare
- Integration of genetic services in primary care settings
- Growth in available genetic tests as technology advances
- A greater emphasis on personalized, preventive medicine
As Quick notes, “With new technology and genetic testing advances, the need for genetic counselors will only grow. In the future, access to genetic care will be more readily available—and that’s an exciting step forward.”
Visit our Cancer Care section to learn more.
